This video explains the history of weaving fabric, starting at around 4,000 years ago.

Following are points from the video:

— Evidence shows that the first weaving looms were in use 4,000 years ago, and at around that time many civilizations developed their own version of hand-operated looms.

— Weaving was originally a “cottage industry,” meaning people did it in their homes, which didn’t change until the industrial revolution in the 1700’s where the factory system became much more prevalent with new inventions that greatly sped up the process of creating fabric.

— The invention of new weaving technologies led to traditional hand weavers revolting, burning the new looms, and chasing its inventor out of his hometown in France.

— 90% of all looms in North America were automated by the end of the 1800’s.

— New weaving technologies continue to be developed even today.